Last year, Miles Austin received the highest-level tender, and later signed a seven-year contract.

INDIANAPOLIS - Before next Thursday's deadline, the Cowboys will submit tender offers to several players who would be restricted free agents if the uncapped rules that governed the NFL return in 2011.

For the second straight year, the club will protect the rights of left tackle Doug Free, defensive ends Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher and wide receiver Sam Hurd. If a salary cap system is brought back, those players may be allowed to sign with the team of their choosing. By issuing these one-year contract designations, the Cowboys provide themselves some level of insurance in case nothing changes.

With the removal of the cap system in 2010, players were not eligible for unrestricted free agency until after their sixth year of service. Previously, Cowboys such as safety Gerald Sensabaugh and defensive end Marcus Spears would have been able to test their value on the open market. Instead, Sensabaugh played under a one-year deal for the second straight season, and Spears, the opening day starter, made less than two of his backups. Both Sensabaugh and Spears will be unrestricted this season regardless of the system decided upon by the league's players union and the owners...